Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries said applications could be submitted for sport and recreation, arts and culture, and emergency preparedness projects from Monday, July 2.

“This funding can make a real difference to the local community, either by providing new or improved sporting or cultural facilities, or by protecting local residents in emergency situations,” Mr Humphries said.

“This year will see the NSW Government complete its commitment to invest $50 million into community infrastructure projects across NSW in four years.”     

The funding is provided through the Clubgrants Category 3 program, which receives a contribution from registered clubs’ gaming machine profits to benefit local communities.

I reminded our Barwon communities that the NSW firearm amnesty has now commenced and urge people to register or hand over any illegal firearms in their possession to local police. The three month gun amnesty runs from July 1 to September 30.

In 2017, nearly 8000 firearms were handed in for destruction including 951 handguns and 5558 shotguns. A further 2100 firearms were handed in for sale, while nearly 15,000 were handed in for registration, providing Police with critical information on each weapon including the serial number and the owner’s details.

I’d also like to remind people – if you own a firearm, you have an obligation to ensure it is safely and securely stored at all times. Under no circumstances should loaded firearms be taken into public places – including police stations.

Anyone with concerns about handling firearms or safely transporting them, can contact the NSW Police Force Firearms Registry on 1300 362 562 for assistance. For more information visit www.police.nsw.gov.au.

The NSW Drought Hub is a one-stop online destination for information on services and support available to primary producers, their families and communities to prepare for and manage drought.

As well as key infrastructure and financial support the Drought Hub also provides links to mental health and support services including the:    

Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health: links rural people to the help they need

Rural Resilience Program: works in partnership with farming communities and service providers across NSW to strengthen networks, exchange information and deliver initiatives that build personal and business resilience skills and knowledge.

Rural Adversity Mental Health Program: provides specialist knowledge and support for people experiencing mental health concerns

I invite community members and sporting groups to have their say on key local strategies to improve the delivery and planning of grassroots local sport over the next five years.

The plans will assist grass roots sport participation across the region by providing targeted sports program and facility development for all community members to enjoy.

This is a great opportunity for locals to have their say, and I encourage everyone to view their plans and give their feedback on what they would like to see prioritised. Feedback is invited by Thursday, July 19 at the Office of Sport website www.sport.nsw.gov.au/regionalplans.